Demolition Progresses on Fire-Ravaged Younkers Building As New Business Opens Nearby

DES MOINES, Iowa – Remnants of the burned Younkers building are slowly coming down in downtown Des Moines.

This week, the company handling demolition is bringing in specially made inflated bags. The equipment is designed to prevent any further damage to nearby structures as workers tear down the north wall. They will be placed between the Younkers building and the Des Moines Partnership.

“There’s a lot of concern about that really big masonry north wall of the Younkers building and its stability as you demolish it because as you demolish it, you create vibrations on a very weak wall,” says Des Moines Assistant City Manager Matt Anderson.

The March 29th fire that destroyed the century old building brought plans to redevelop Walnut Street to a halt. City leaders say they are delaying the three block street scape plan for a year.

“You’d have action on the street right now if it hadn’t been for the fire setback,” says Anderson.